Portsmouth woman welcomed to the ‘Century Club’

Above: Grace Medeiros (right) hugs her niece, Denise Jacques, at her surprise birthday party Tuesday at Anthony House. Looking on are Lt. Tom Fagan of the Fire Department (left) and Police Patrolman Patrick O’Neil, who came out to congratulate Mrs. Medeiros on behalf of the town. Photo by Richard W. Dionne Jr.

PORTSMOUTH — For once, Grace Medeiros was speechless.

When she opened the door to the community room at Anthony House Tuesday evening, a huge hail of “Surprise!” erupted from the 40-plus guests.

Mrs. Medeiros just stood there as Anthony House property manager Allison Serina handed her a bouquet of flowers. It was a good two minutes before she started making her way around the room to greet everyone who had turned out for her 100th birthday party.

“I can’t get over it,” said Mrs. Medeiros, obviously touched by the gesture. “This is a real shock.”

The party was attended by not only residents of the affordable housing complex across from Town Hall but several members of Mrs. Medeiros’ extended family — including a few “great-great-greats.”

The Portsmouth police and fire departments also sent representatives to wish Mrs. Medeiros well. Police Patrolman Patrick O’Neil gave Mrs. Medeiros — whose actual birthday is this Saturday, May 9 — a town patch and congratulated her on her longevity.

“One hundred years — and as far as we know, no arrests!” he joked. “Let’s keep it that way.”

Lt. Tom Fagan of the Fire Department presented Grace with a town tile.

“Welcome to the Century Club in the Town of Portsmouth,” he told her.

Denise Jacques, Mrs. Medeiros’ niece, said her aunt never ceases to amaze her.

“You’d never think she was 100 years old. She’s as sharp as a tack,” said Mrs. Jacques. “She’s generous, she’s kind, she’s alive, she gives me good advice. She always steers us in the right direction and keeps us on track.

“She always tells me, ‘I’m ready to go,’ but I tell her, ‘Your work is not done yet; you need to stay with us.’”

Longest-serving resident

Mrs. Medeiros, a former hat-maker in the Fall River mills who also worked at the family-run restaurant in that city before retiring, lived with her late husband in Tiverton before moving to Portsmouth years ago. She and her husband also had a hand in starting up the Portsmouth Multi-Purpose Senior Center.

“She came here with my uncle, and he passed away in 2001. She’s been living here alone since then,” said Mrs. Jacques.

Exactly how long Mrs. Medeiros has been at Anthony House is up for debate. She said 27 years, Mrs. Serina said 28 and Mrs. Jacques thought it was 32.

Whatever — she’s been here longer than anyone, said Mrs. Serina, who praised Mrs. Medeiros for her kindness, sense of humor and even-temperedness. “She’s always smiling, she’s very positive and she’s still here. She’s inspirational,” said Mrs. Serina.

And she still pulls her own weight, apparently.

“She actually signed up to bring something to her own party without knowing,” said Mrs. Serina. “She thought it was just a potluck. She came in here wheeling four liters of soda — that’s what great shape she’s in.”

Friends and family members rattled off some of Mrs. Medeiros’ favorite passions: NASCAR racing, Rhode Island politics, beer and jigsaw puzzles.

“She’s doing one now. It’s 1,500 pieces and it’s the Leaning Tower of Pisa,” said Mrs. Jacques.

When asked her own secret to longevity, a friend suggested to Mrs. Medeiros that she “take the fifth.”

“That’s right,” said Mrs. Medeiros with a laugh. “I’m not gonna say nothing.”

Ms. Jacques said her aunt is usually not one to be quiet for long.

“She says her peace, let me tell ya,” she said.

Mrs. Medeiros did say, however, that she loves her home at Anthony House.

“I’ve been here 27 years. I think that speaks for itself,” she said.

“I’ve seen some good friends come, and go.”